Steps to quell
Methil Ming
‘are working’

2512020 SSFM methil ming 'protestors at the Scottish Water Meeting regarding the 'Methil Ming' - at New Bayview, Methil

Published:08:30Wednesday 18 February 2015

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Claims that a £1.5m programme to exterminate the infamous ‘Methil Ming’ are filling the air – but some local people have yet to be convinced.

Claims that a £1.5m programme to exterminate the infamous ‘Methil Ming’ are filling the air – but some local people have yet to be convinced.

Lindsay Roy MP, centre, with Peter Farrer, left, and John Telfer of Scottish Water

A stakeholders’ meeting on Friday at Bayview Stadium yesterday heard that a series of measures aimed at ridding the area of the putrid pong that periodically emanated from the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works was paying off.

It was said there were just four complaints in recent months and local MP Lindsay Roy, who, along with community representatives, had led the calls for action to be taken, said the low number was evidence there was now a real determination to resolve the long-standing problem.

Initiatives such as chemical dosing and the installation of an odour control unit have all had a positive effect, and the improvement is expected to be enhanced still further when a new, higher stack was installed later this year.

However, the Mail put the question on Facebook after the meeting and, while some readers thought the foul fragrance had receded, others reckoned it was as bad as ever.

But Mr Roy said: “There can be little doubt now that Scottish Water and plant operator Celts are taking very seriously the odour problems that have blighted local communities for more than a decade.

“There was as credibility gap in the past and people had a lack of confidence that the good intentions that were being expressed would be carried out.

“But there is now much greater trust that the companies mean what they say.”

Mr Roy added: “It’s not only the measures themselves that are working.

“So, too, is the new-found commitment to engage the local community fully and keep people informed.”

The firms had taken the issue seriously, he added.

We asked last week if residents believed the smell was being adequately dealt with – some replies:

Avis Maxwell: It still stinks to high heaven. I sometimes walk my dog down the dam & the stench is horrendous.

Phyllis Urquhart: Can’t say I’ve smelt it lately. Good news that you are trying to alleviate the problem; trial and effort, I suppose.

Audrey Paudrey: It’s not as regular of late but still as pungent and that is the norm for cold months.

Leanne Ferrier: Not noticed it as much.

Nathan Anderson: It’s horrible just to wake up to the smell of it. Kareen Foy: We hadn’t smelled it for a while but last Tuesday it was back with a vengeance at Aitken Street, Leven!